Team Update 1-15-2013

[Siri]

Originally Posted by pntbll1313

This rule change may be because it was difficult to enforce the previous one, but it certainly wasn't impossible. We are engineers, and if you are building your robot fit inside a vertical cylinder you probably can find a way to prove that it resides in it. I know they aren't set up for it but maybe there are autonomous ways to call violations of this rule. Four cameras mounted far above the pyramids with a little logic to determine if there is a 54" violation? Maybe that's just a dumb idea I thought of while writing this response but I do think it could be enforced. I know someone could think of a way. Just because it would be difficult to do so is something is a reason they should have thought about before releasing the rules, or the Q&A, or the second Q&A...

Exactly. They did think about it on the Q&A...and ruled in exactly the opposite direction. <Q106> The potential for a ROBOT to violate [G23] will be assessed at Inspection per [R03]. During a MATCH, Referees will call infractions to the best of their abilities. It is in the Team's best interest to minimize any ambiguity during game play.
If you're not sure it'll work, at least don't answer the question until you're clear. They answered related Q&As multiple times (I count 4). I'm not convinced enforcement is the reason behind this change.

If anyone's interested, Q188 is requesting a rationale (as nicely as I could think of) for G23-1. We'll see how much trouble it gets me in--though they have offered explanations in the past.